In 'George at the Fort; Or, Life Among the Soldiers' by Harry Castlemon, the reader is transported to the exciting world of military life in the mid-19th century. The book is a captivating blend of adventure, coming-of-age themes, and historical details, providing a rich literary experience for readers of all ages. Castlemon's descriptive writing style vividly brings to life the challenges and triumphs faced by the protagonist, George, as he navigates the complexities of army life and discovers his own strength and courage. Set against the backdrop of the Civil War, the book offers insight into the social and political climate of the era. Harry Castlemon, a prolific author of juvenile fiction, drew inspiration from his own experiences as a soldier during the Civil War to write 'George at the Fort.' His firsthand knowledge of military life adds authenticity to the narrative, capturing the essence of camaraderie and loyalty among soldiers. Castlemon's passion for storytelling shines through in this timeless classic, making it a must-read for history enthusiasts and adventure seekers alike. I highly recommend 'George at the Fort; Or, Life Among the Soldiers' to readers seeking an engaging and thought-provoking exploration of life in the military during the Civil War. Castlemon's skillful storytelling and attention to historical detail make this book a valuable addition to any library.

George Bent, the son of William Bent, one of the founders of Bent's Fort on the Arkansas near present La Junta, Colorado, and Owl Woman, a Cheyenne, began exchanging letters in 1905 with George E. Hyde of Omaha concerning life at the fort, his experiences with his Cheyenne kinsmen, and the events which finally led to the military suppression of the Indians on the southern Great Plains. This correspondence, which continued to the eve of Bent's death in 1918, is the source of the narrative here published, the narrator being Bent himself. Almost ninety years have elapsed since the day in 1930 when Mr. Hyde found it impossible to market the finished manuscript of the Bent life down to 1866. (The Depression had set in some months before.) He accordingly sold that portion of the manuscript to the Denver Public Library, retaining his working copy, which carries down to 1875. The account therefore embraces the most stirring period, not only of Bent's own life, but of life on the Plains and into the Rockies. It has never before been published. It is not often that an eyewitness of great events in the West tells his own story. But Bent's narrative, aside from the extent of its chronology (1826 to 1875), has very special significance as an inside view of Cheyenne life and action after the Sand Creek Massacre of 1864, which cost so many of the lives of Bent's friends and relatives. It is hardly probable that we shall achieve a more authentic view of what happened, as the Cheyennes, Arapahos, and Sioux saw it.

Reprint of the original, first published in 1876.